West Virginia oversize load rules
Legal limits, pilot car requirements, travel restrictions, superload thresholds and permit fees for oversize and overweight loads in West Virginia.
Legal limits without a permit
| Width | 8′6″ (8′ on local service routes with lanes under 10′) |
|---|---|
| Height | 13′6″ |
| Length | 53′ semitrailer, no overall limit on interstates and the National Network · 70′ overall on US and WV routes · 40′ single unit |
| Weight | 80,000 lb gross on interstate, US and WV routes · 65,000 lb on local service routes |
At a glance
| Escorts | 2 escort rules, starting at 12′ wide |
|---|---|
| Superload | 3 review triggers (height, weight, width) |
| Travel | 5 restrictions (curfews, night, holidays) |
| Fees | 4 published fee lines |
Escort (pilot car) requirements
- 2 width, height and length thresholds with the escort count for each
- Overhang and route-type conditions
Travel restrictions
- 5 restrictions: curfews, night travel, weekends and holidays
- Which ones apply to a given load size
Superloads
- Exact thresholds and what the state requires past them
- Lead times, route surveys and police escort conditions
Permit fees
- 4 published fee lines with links to the fee schedule
- Validity periods and add-on charges
Common questions
When does a load need a pilot car in West Virginia?
The state writes escort requirements into each permit after analyzing the load and route. The only published table is for mobile homes, which need escorts from 12′ wide.
Can oversize loads travel on weekends in West Virginia?
Loads over 14′ wide generally cannot move on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. Smaller loads can request weekend travel on the application, and the state decides by route.
How much is a West Virginia oversize permit?
$20 per single trip, plus 4 cents per ton-mile for overweight loads, plus bridge monitoring fees when a bridge needs them.
Sources
- WVDOT legal size and weight limits
- WVDOT permit types and fees
- WVDOT hauling permit FAQs
- 157 CSR 5, Traffic and Safety Rules (escorts, travel days, fees)
Planning reference. Permits carry their own conditions, and city and county roads have separate rules. Confirm with the West Virginia Division of Highways Hauling Permits before moving a load. Found an error? Report it.
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